The summer of love was a cultural happening that took place in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco in 1967. Over 100,000 young people descended upon the city to listen to music, take drugs, protest the war and experience a hippie lifestyle. This was truly a cultural phenomenon.

Whenever I travel to San Francisco, and I did a LOT for several years, I try to get to Haight-Ashbury to visit an eclectic record store called Amoeba music. It always feels like a step back in time when I enter the place. I can spend hours checking out what they have! It is right in the heart of the district, so wandering around to the different vintage clothing stores, thrift shops, food places, etc.is a fun way to stretch out your time there. When I walk around, I can’t help but think of the musicians that once wandered through the same streets like the members of Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and so many more.

This 48” x 30” painting celebrates that time and place. The layers here and the contrast of dark and color represent the waves of visitors who flocked to Haight-Ashbury seeking a respite from the tumultuous times in the country at that time.

Hope you like it!

Garry